The 5 WORST RUMS I own and WHY I wouldn't Buy them again

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

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[@Indiskret1]

I do buy Havana 7, but only uses it as a mixer, and I like it with coke especially. Havana 7 is much cheaper in Sweden than all the other you put it against, despite our high taxes, like 30% cheaper than Bacardi 8 as one example (12-13£ less), and that is a factor when I buy something readily available and are cost conscious. I just got Plantation Pineapple after watching one of your videos and that is fantastic, and also rather cheap in Sweden, like 6-7£ more than H7 (Plantation Pineapple is actually cheaper now than 2 years ago). Never liked El Dorado. Most expensive I bought is 12 year old and didn't like it either, much prefer other styles of rum.

[@carsongbaker]

Love this video concept! Would totally be down to see more of these

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Ha, there's only so many Best and Worst videos you can do though! Otherwise I'd make one every week!

[@lancevalencia6852]

You did Havana 7 so dirty! Haha! I love Havana 7. I always thought Flor de Cana wasn't as smooth as 7, but they are both great rums! I've always stayed away from Bacardi cause I hated their blanco, but if you really think it's better then Havana 7, I'll try it out.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Its deffo better for me. I think Havana is just really Harsh. When you try even better Cuban Rums, with a higher Aguardiente blend, then you'll realise what i'm talking about.

[@heatherharrison264]

Over the years, I've had a few spirits that I see little need to revisit. In many cases, they are not bad spirits. The reason is often that I found little use for it or I found something that I liked better as I gained more experience. I don't mix a lot of drinks at home, and those few that I will make are the simplest ones. I'm lazy, so when I want a cocktail, the path of least resistance is to go to a bar and pay a bartender to make one. Bartenders usually do a better job than I do anyway. Early on, I bought a few spirits thinking that I might get into mixed drinks at home, and when it didn't happen, spirits that were primarily suited to be mixers ended up sitting on the shelf and collecting dust for a long time. Here are some examples from the rum category. Bacardi 151: There is still some of this in the bottle. This rum was discontinued years ago, and I still have some. I have so little use for it that it just sits there. Recently, I've decided to finish it off by mixing it into Coke or using it to make a Meyer lemon version of grog. It's fine for these uses, but there are better options. The best use I ever found for this rum was many years ago, when a friend was helping me change out the water in a turtle aquarium. He started the siphon using his mouth (not a smart thing to do) and got a mouth full of turtle water. He ran to the liquor shelf, grabbed the Bacardi 151, and took a big swig of it. He never got sick - the rum probably killed the pathogens in the turtle water. Basic Bacardi mixing rum: I had a big jug of the gold-colored version, and it took me more than ten years to run through it. If I made a lot of cocktails that needed a basic inoffensive rum, something like this would find a place in my collection. If I add more Bacardi products to my collection in the future, I'll go for the well aged ones that are good to drink neat. When I drained this bottle (and also a bottle of Captain Morgan), I replaced them with Smith & Cross navy strength, Real McCoy 12, and Diplomatico 2005. This was definitely an upgrade. Spiced rum, in general: I'm not a great fan of this category. The ones I've had are sweeter than necessary and taste of artificial flavors, primarily vanilla. I still have some Kraken, but there is only enough left for about two drinks. It's not an unpleasant flavor, but for sipping, it doesn't provide what I want out of rum. The richness and complexity of a well aged rum simply aren't there. Furthermore, it sometimes causes a headache, which no other rum has ever done to me, so I suspect that it contains some nasty additives. If I mix it into Coke, it essentially makes vanilla Coke that doesn't taste quite as good as regular bottled vanilla Coke, but it's tolerable. I wouldn't necessarily rule out spiced rum in the future, but I'll stay away from the big brands and look for something that has less sweetness, more spice, and less vanilla. Or if I weren't lazy, I suppose I could get a bottle of decent rum, dump my own spice mixture into it, and let it sit for a while. Here are some from other categories. Liqueurs, in general: There are some that are good for sipping, but since most of these are mixers, I don't have a lot of use for them. Aside from those few that I enjoy neat or on the rocks, as I run down the ones that I have, I don't plan on replacing them. Chivas Regal 12-year blended Scotch whisky: This is the whisky that got me into Scotch and other related types of whisky. I still have a soft spot for it and might order it in a bar on occasion, but I've outgrown it. It's a good inoffensive whisky, but it doesn't have the complexity that I find in single malts, and it is too light in flavor to work very well on the rocks (which is the main reason I keep some blends around), as opposed to more flavorful blends such as Dewars 12 or Suntory Toki. The popular and most commonly available big brand single malts: These would be Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Macallan, and the like. I used to seek out this sort of thing; they are good, and I'll happily order a shot in a bar, but they aren't as good as they could be if they were presented a little differently. I have found the non-chill filtered and non-colored offerings from other distilleries to be superior, so it is these that are finding a place in my collection. If a naturally presented cask strength Macallan came along and I could afford it, I would be going nuts over it, but I'll pass on the standard 12-year bottling. Albertson's vodka: Years ago, I was in an Albertson's grocery store and saw their store brand vodka on the bottom shelf. I bought it because the concept of Albertson's vodka seemed funny and absurd. It wasn't good. Here is a good general rule: don't buy bottom shelf store brand spirits. There might be exceptions to this rule, but I doubt there are many.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Nice Heather. Thanks for that. Stick with me though on all my Channels, cos I'll have you making Cocktails suited to your own palate. I'm not saying Better than a Bartender. BUT, I rarely go out these days to a Bar and have my mind blown by a drink. I know I can make a drink 100% suited to what i like at home. Whether thats getting the ratios right on a Daiquiri, or making up a Punch. Thats what people miss, everyone has a different palate these days. I don't teach recipes per se, I teach how to perfect a recipe to your palate.

[@theatrebum11]

I love the Appleton line. Signature is great, 12 year is one of my favorites.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Can’t deny, they’re fantastic Rums. I don’t use them that much as I do prefer others. But doesn’t stop them being proper quality 👌

[@FusionAdam]

Aw man, I love Havana 7 and El Dorado 5. I've mostly been trying whats available in the supermarket or a local whiskey store which tells me I need to expand a little haha. Fortunately there's a rum festival coming up in Manchester!

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah. We’ll be at Manchester RumFest next year. No date yet. But sometime around July.

[@_-_-_-Prof.BoskoBiathi-_-_-_]

The havanna 7 is goregous,.for that money,.in germany around 23 euro,.i luv its taste and deep flavor,.

[@alzarqawi3851]

Hi, Steve, friend! Ive been starting RUMming today(like, Im 20yrs old male) and I bought 5 different rums from 5 different companies I guess, I'm from eastern Europe so excuse my S+ english (haha) and I saw in many of your videos(watching u for few days just to know basic stuffs, different opinions of a master in this domain, you) and u really made Plantation rums very valuable, I mean, quality, praised I guess it's the word... the people from my country wrote many negative reviews on Plantation rums, idk why but I guess I will have to buy myself to really decide who's right or whatever, just to see what I enjoy, thank you and keep up the good work, thanks for your content, I am learning rums from you!

[@10ark]

I did grab a bottle of Mt. Gay Eclipse Navy Strength limited edition a week ago. The old "white" version of Mt. Gay Eclipse was blended by Allen Smith and that was a great rum! The bottle you show at the start of this video is the new rum master, Trudiann Branker, and, full disclosure, I have never had a sip of the bottle that you are showing. That all being said. Should you have the opportunity Steve, please try the Navy Strength version of Mt. Gay Eclipse. It is a limited edition and I have found it to be delicious neat and makes a really good daiquiri! I can't justify a $22 US dollar price tag for a entry level rum but for $29 US dollars the Navy Strength version is a outstanding value and a high quality rum that, for a beginner like myself, makes me happy to enjoy and share in my rum journey!

[@GrumpyOldManandhisdog]

Steve is awesome. I value and trust his opinions

[@charlesiv3984]

I found exactly the same thing with the Mt Gay! Eclipse turned me off from the rest of the range until i got to try black barrel. And wow that is awesome!

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

The new Mount Gay Madeira... LOVELY JUBBLY

[@berelinde]

You saved me from regret with the Mount Gay recommendation. None of the liquor stores near me have much variety. I ran out of my favorite Plantation OD and I can't find it, so I was looking for a replacement. I went with Myers because I knew it was nice, but the only other rum with some color was the Mount Gay. Now I know that I'm just going to have to drive farther to get to a store with more options.

[@ThatsViews]

Mount Gay tastes great. Ignore him.

[@vermelsilk5833]

I wonder if the price is a little lower here but I don't feel the regular Bumbu being that pricey, the XO deffo cost a bit more but you do get a proper dark rum from that one at least.

[@TheDukeOfReuben]

Where I live in Canada a 750ml bottle of Bumbu original costs $60 while the XO is $70. I've never even tried either because that seems outrageous.

[@Jimmy_--_]

I think I've been a bit fortunate as most of the rums I'm not keen on have been birthday presents and such. However, I did buy a bottle of Spytail ginger spiced rum - in my head i thought it would be a warming, subtle flavour, but i found it full on fiery 😄 I've also found some of the Foursquare ESB's a bit hit and miss. I do like Bumbu though, might be because it was a birthday gift from work and I cracked it open, helping myself to a few. That was a good day in the office 😉

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Oh Yeah Spytail. I remember being SO disappointed with that back in 2019/2020. "Ginger Rum"... I don't think it'd even seen a piece of ginger in its life. Such a limp and lifeless Rum! I wanted a Ginger Rum...how disappointing. Had to buy Jamaica Cove instead! Again, not great. But it least it tasted of Ginger!

[@CinHotlanta]

I agree it's a bit overpriced, but the El Dorado 5 works very well as one of the rums in my Ancient Mariner, in fact I usually keep it in and play around with the other rum 😄

[@rutgerpol1796]

Am new to this channel I had my first captain Morgan spiced rum and I enjoyed that. Now am excited to learn more

[@jackhemsworth7515]

if you like your spice to be up front, i'd suggest something like Chairmans Reserve Spiced. it's quite a simple, uncomplicated rum that punches you in the tastebuds even through cola

[@ConanCamelPuncher]

Controversial one here, two swallows citrus and salted caramel, tastes artificial to me unfortunately, would love to know some alternatives that are both easy neat and stand out but not overwhelming in mixers

[@Starwars0405]

I can usually get a bottle of Bumbu for £30. I like it but it doesn't seem like an out n out rum to me if that makes sense. I think it needs lime to take the edge off the sweetness.

[@Bmattvrana]

not surprised by your take on Mount Gay Eclipse, im in Barbados drinking rum as Im watching and we all know its mount gays cheapest worst rum. Its amazing how much it sells for over seas, granted its historic. The extra old or black barrels are quite nice as you mentioned though I stick Old Brigand

[@NorthernAnt]

I do agree with you here, the rum I drink rums the bumbu is overpriced even though I absolutely love it, should be 20 to 25 max

[@TheRiverPirate13]

Ahoy mate! There are few rums I regret purchasing before trying them first. My list is Stade's No 8, Tommy Bahamas Rum #2, Vanua Aged Rum, Four Square Spiced Bajan Rum and Ron Medellin 8 year Rum. None of them were to my liking. From your list I do like Bumbu on ice and Havana Club 7 on ice. Bumbu is fairly smooth but probably because a lot of Brown sugar was added after the distilling process. Bumbu has more of mass appeal with the sweeter taste (Lil Wayne marketing it too! Lol!). Havana Club 7 is sort of exotic here in the US due to the embargo. I have a 1-liter bottle of Havana Club 7 I brought back from the Bahamas. I do agree Flor de Cana 7 is solidly better than Havana Club 7. I did a rum review of Flor de Cana 7 and why it is my favorite rum.

[@paulskinb]

Worst rum I bought was dead man fingers spiced, drinkable but way down on the scale. The problem was people saw it at mine (because it took ages to get through) and I ended up with 3 bottles as Christmas presents as everyone thought it was my favourite.

[@DCRefugee123]

Agree on Havana Club 7, Mount Gay, and Flor de Cana 7. To each his own but you can’t drink them all unless you’re life goal is to drink, so marketing rules. Ron Cuban is one I’ve read good things about but I never tried.

[@BOSICBYI-Everlong]

Tried Merser & Co which is £33. Beautiful bottle, cool history behind their Greyhound Logo, but did not rate the Rum at all. I thought it was nearer to a Bourbon in flavour profile and simply over priced.

[@zool8139]

Walter Hicks 125 71 abv is the best rum in my opinion, good luck getting a bottle though, been trying for over 10 months now

[@_-_-_-Prof.BoskoBiathi-_-_-_]

For now my fav silver rum is DIPLOMATICO ( botucal)PLANAS,..goregous smooth,..

[@ronv-mack1418]

I agree with you on how disgusting Bumbu is. I bought it thinking wasn't flavored like an unripened persimmon and plantain/blatano. Once I tasted it, it took everything in me to swallow it, so I wouldn't spit it out all over my gramma since we were supposed to try it together. Plus, the margarita mix I bought to go with it to make daiquiris was disgusting as well. I know that both products were bad because I tried them separately and checked to make sure nothing was expired.

[@gregorywall7586]

Bullion Salted Caramel is ok. Not worth the price minus the fancy bottle. Has a very dry aftertaste. Tried it neat and didn't like it. With Pepsi over ice, its lovely.

[@jsmarty1]

I mean I’d drink Eclipse over many other mainstream spirits, but in terms of rum, I’m not a fan. Definitely not horrible but you can do so much better for a similar price. Same with El Dorado 5, it’s just too hot for me

[@PamD1]

Have tried the Havana 7 a few times thinking it might grow on me but it hasn't. Definitely wouldn't buy a bottle.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah, I get that. It's too harsh for me. I think Sunday may blow you away...hopefully!

[@theragingnerdz1348]

Mount Gay Eclipse was my first rum glad to hear I'm not the only person to dislike it

[@markcalhoun8219]

Mount Gay is fine but I can get the Navy Strength for $20 right now and that blows it out of the water. Otherwise I try to keep it and Appleton Signature around.

[@philharvey5488]

I would like to hear some comments on Australian rum. Have you tried any?

[@tunafarrell2067]

I've had mixed results with Mount Gay rum. The first bottle I received as a gift and it had an odd aftertaste, sort of like toothpaste. I took a chance and bought a second bottle and it was better but still harsher than I prefer. The third bottle again had an odd aftertaste. So I stopped buying it.

[@sanchezjr13]

I have about 30 different runs in my home bar. One that I regret buying is Koloa spiced rum. It’s too damn sweet and bitter.

[@margusgrenzmann3977]

To each their own but what baffles me is that you've higlighted the HC especial, which to my tastes is watered down and pointless.

[@XCATX25]

DIRECTLY ON POINT AS SOON AS THE VIDEO STARTS, very cool, you got a subscriber if all of your videos are like this

[@geraintlewis8194]

Rums I have most regretted buying or flet were just overrated: 1 The Lugger.I know its Spiced, but just awful IMO, very expensive and just way to much sugar. 2 Plantation Reunion Grande Aroma. A masterclass in how to take a great rum and turn into something which is barely average. Zacapa Edition Negra. Way too much smoke and char

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

There'll be one Plantation Rum you like soon. I guarantee it!

[@ryan_B469]

The Bumbu and kraken and Plantations are pretty much all the same price in the US, so why so high in the UK? I can get bumbu original all day for 30 dollars a bottle.

[@TheTribalBarGuy]

Super informative video Steve. Thank you!

[@Decky1991live]

A couple from me: 1: That Boutique-y Rum Company, Diamond Distillery, Versailles Still, Batch 3 - Love the TBRC but that just tastes like Bells. 2. North Point Pilot Rum - Again very like a young whiskey blend. 3. NAUD Hidden Loot - tastes like soap. Full on Imperial Leather from 1952.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

North Point...and many Scottish Rums are interesting, as they're always going to have a huge Whisky influence. BUT, there is some amazing stuff up there. I don't dislike North Point. With the TRBC...now this is interesting, cos I had the El Dorado Single Stills at the weekend, and although they were 40% and not cask strength. They were very MEH... like VERY! Enmore being the best of the 3, and me being very disappointed with the Port Mourant. I have it on good authority that the 54% Cask Strengths are better. But i'm in no rush to try them now. Its weird, cos El Dorado Rums are so full bodied, but these were anything but!

[@travisguide4516]

I wouldn’t buy the goslings old rum again i bought it when it was 80+$ the price now is around 66$ and that is ok but it is too oaky for me and i prefer their regular offering

[@パウリ-g5z]

The one i regret is: "Rhum Negrita Dark Signature" And it was recommended by the store clerk... It tastes like burnt wood and tar.

[@socialswine3656]

Damn this man actually has Bundaberg on his backbar

[@Jack-r2v9b]

But does he have Beenleigh?

[@Helliconia54]

did i see a Bundy, hiding bottom left? Why was it NOT on your list?

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Ha, Bundy ain't that bad. But its not a convo here in the UK, cos it's rarely imported here now. But in any case. Everyone has that nostalgia rum whether they'll admit it or not. They'll only be lying if they say otherwise. For some it'll be Sailor Jerry, others Capt Morgs or Kraken...for me, Bundy. Bundy & Coke during my time in Oz was a staple. Hard to hate on it. Its creates a lot of special memories.

[@Jack-r2v9b]

But does he have Beenleigh?

[@joshuadecker1305]

Bumbu is the name of a drink pirates would make during the Golden age. Much like Grog but with spices and sugar. So the name itself implies it's a flavored rum.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Cheers Joshua. Good Knowledge. 99.9% of people who have ever heard of Bumbu, wouldn't have known that!

[@joshuadecker1305]

@@StevetheBarmanUK i think most people like it because the bottle looks cool, which it does.

[@cedl752]

Yes and no, the drink you refered is a called Bombo or bumbo (very very close and quite confusing honestly) and consist of rum, sugar, nutmeg and water which isn’t really a spiced rum (maybe an early version of it, but in history they added spices to rum way before that)… if they did a bumbo it would’ve been awesome, but it taste nothing like that, that’s the most unfortunate part… maybe it’s an hommage to this old drink which is quite forgotten, and yes I’ve seen this drink spelled Bumbu at a few places but they added cinnamon lemon juice grenadine and plenty of other stuff so if it’s that direction they took it’s alright just not very authentic and if they can add less banana and caramel in their recipe it would be great and less sugar 60g/L is way to much

[@joshuadecker1305]

@@cedl752 I think it's intentional. I doubt most pirates could read or write, so spelling is irrelevant. I want to make my own bumbu/bumbo whatever. Throw in some spices and orange peel pineapple whatever, and let it sit for a week. Everyone had their own bumbu recipe, even George Washington. Blackbeard allegedly put gunpowder in his.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

@@cedl752 Assume you're not UK, but again this comment can be very confusing for UK people, cos here we have a VERY Sweet Rum Brand called "Bombo". which actually has nothing to do with another Rum brand, also here, called "Bumbu". (Bumbu is deffo a worldwide Brand). They are 2 entirely different Brands. with different flavours & spices, and if you think Bumbu is sweet, jeez, stay away from Bombo, cos that's 2x at least, if not 3x the Sugar level!

[@kinslayerauthor4051]

Rather than the El Dorado 5, pick Hamilton 86 or Hart & Sons demerara. Either one is a superior choice in that price range.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Cheers. Yup this applies to the US audience. But here in the UK, there's no Lemon Hart or Hamilton.

[@Big-Harry]

Tried Khukei from Nepalat the weekend didn't really work me, BTW it was nice to finally meet you at Rumfest on Sunday.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah, I didn't know what to make of those Nepal Rums. Tried a couple, then moved on.

[@dkovacs]

Black tears.. they have a white run that is awful. I bought two bottles of it because it was cheap. I’ll never drink it. Basically paint thinner.

[@radekrutkowski1389]

Two worst I've ever had (off the "acceptable" shelf) are definitely Havana Anejo Especial and MG Eclipse. But Havana 7 YO is a VERY good "buy everywhere" rum, much better than Bacardi or Captain Morgan crap.

[@susanalderson8267]

Captain Morgan is good for making Eggnogg.

[@HeimanuM]

I had read some good comments about the A.H Riise XO Ambre d'Or, so i decided to buy it in Aldi. I was disappointed, got the feeling to sip a sirup to cure a child coughing with this strong sweetness. It is The only one i am disappointed with.

[@jackhemsworth7515]

i agree with Bumbu Spiced rum... of the spiced rums i've tried, it seems absolutely the most meh tier. i prefer when my spiced rum hits me in the tastebuds.. wheras Bumbu is very very subtle as a spiced rum, which is disappointing. you expect more of it, and it's just.. not.

[@antheaxe7340]

2 worst i have hade Was möterheads dark rum weaksauce and the Barceló Gran Añejo i think i was or something similar name and can´t remeber what year on bottel or any thing sadly but it was just bad and weaksauce

[@KernowNik]

I actually quite like the Havana 7, but fully agree, FdC 7 over the H7 is a no brainer. But as a whisky drinker, the wood on the H7 is fine for me

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

We'll convert you to a proper Cuban Rum on Sunday!

[@KernowNik]

I've the 1870, so no conversion needed: maybe a more affordable option though! 🤣

[@davidrandall695]

Myers, beloved of bar wells! Only good if it’s so swamped with sugary add ones you can’t taste it

[@RogerDuly]

Thank you for that😢 “one white guy’s opinion”.😂

[@AlfonsoVallarta]

Love the video idea! And I'd definitely skip any future opportunities to get Botran 12. That bottle is a chore when I compare it to many others.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Cheers Alfonso. Never tried a Botran. Haven't even seen the brand for years!

[@pazme1980]

@@StevetheBarmanUK Botran 12 is very good, you should try the 12 the 15 and the 18, much better that the Bacardi and Flor de Caña.

[@Siniorica17]

I recently tried Borgoe Extra neat and it was terrible rum...then I had a Grog with it and it was actually pretty good, so I guess it really depends what are you using it for... I used to cook with Bacardi Oakheart before...

[@Danholland20]

I bought a bottle of "devils bridge spiced rum" as it uses a local legend with its story, sounded nice, had one sip and that's all, really can't stand the taste myself

[@cedl752]

Great video but the title is a bit confusing because the rums that you showed aren’t really bad just not good for the money… I would only change that

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

But you hopefully watched the video and understood what i said. They are technically "the worst Rums I own". I was very clear to say they weren't terrible Rums!!!! I just merely explained why they are the worst I own, so the title is bang on the Money.

[@natem4266]

Mount Gay Black Barrel. Just didn’t taste good at all, even when mixed it’s overly woody flavor came through and distorted the whole drink

[@brooksington4696]

I wouldn't buy Appleton 15 again. I bought it as a treat for myself and was pretty disappointed. Appleton 12 is nearly as good for ~$20-25 less. Makes a (very) good rum old fashioned, and works well in a mai tai blend, but not worth the price IMO.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

I'm the same with a lot of Rum Brands. I would normally go for the next one down. With you on Appleton. however, I now actually would pick Doorlys 14 over Doorlys 12. And El Dorado 15 is amazing now that the sugar has been stripped back in 2020 ish. I used to be El Dorado all day long, now ED15 is insanely good!

[@eduardougarte6184]

Oh my God, Old Monk, I always buy off recommendations and so I'm really used to good Rum and I was shocked when I had that because it was the worst Rum I've had in so long

[@WalterDeRooij]

I mostly agree with you but I have to say, everything deserves to be at least 30 more expensive than Don Papa. It should be illegal to distribute that.

[@WalterDeRooij]

PS, DP should have gotten the #1 worst rum you own award :-D

[@regancooper1005]

ok IMO i agree the black barrel Mount Gay is better , El dorado should drop the 5 year old and just go with their 8 year old much nicer and the Bumbu ... yep i do not like it at all however the Bumbu aged is nice

[@johnnyheidi2839]

Totally agree with you on Bumbu way too much artificial sugar these rums should be called rum based drinks not pure rum . Rum needs some kind of legislation so we know what we’re getting.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

To be fair, there is plenty of “rules” it’s just that UK rules are different to US. In the UK, Bumbu is a “Spirit Drink” cos of Sugar Levels. But in the US it can be classified as Rum.

[@johnnyheidi2839]

@@StevetheBarmanUKif i remember they used to be a website true authentic Caribbean rum ,

[@bluecanary5448]

I know most people like Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum To me It tastes like wine. Some thing I Really don't like and spent $50 dollars on it!

[@LVCRFT2023]

If that tastes like wine to you well.. might get your tongue looked at😂

[@jasont659]

I agree with you on the El Dorado 5 and Havana 7. In the past I got a El Dorado 5 but felt like it was destine for mixers only which made me feel like the price was not as good value compare to others for around same price range that you could also drink neat. While the Havana 7, being in United States, I was so exited to try it when some friends came back from a trip to Cuba with a bottle and I really was shocked and disappointed in how forward the taste was with no real tones that I expected. The exact thought in my head was, huh, Bacardi originated same area but I rather that over the Havana. I've been partially curious on the Bumbu but always resisted since I feel fancy bottle rarely = smooth drinking. And the Mount Gay I've been curious on possible mixing rum since it's always there at liquor stores anymore. But now I'm starting find the large bottles of Appleton Signature which yeah, about $10 bucks more than Mount Gay or Bacardi, but I enjoy the vanilla tones that really pop from it when making a rum and coke (almost makes it taste like a vanilla coke). Great video as always.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Cheers Jason! Appreciate that.

[@powermonger9090]

My pick is Havana Club 3, it just doesn’t do it for me. I got a bottle to make Mojitos and was very disappointed.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

There are Sooooooooooooooo many awesoem Mojito/Daiquiri Rums. Hav3 does a fantastic job. I mean it's really good. BUT. There are soooo many better these days!

[@timmarkley9309]

Hamilton 86 over El Dorado 5 yr any day for me. Appleton 8 yr is a completely different rum and is a bit more expensive here ($30 compared to $22 for Hamilton 86.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

When Hamilton finally makes its way to the UK, I'll give you my verdict! Haha. Yeah, A8 IS Different to ED8...but many many people would have it for the same uses. Mai Tai's, Mixers etc etc

[@MrGreen464]

Mount gay is hardcore dry and nasty, Bumbu is a decent rum though,I love it with ginger beer especially,

[@pazme1980]

I didn't see Zacapa Centerario Rum in the back... can you do a video reviewing the Guatemalan Rum?

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah, it's a rum that i need to add. But have so far avoided, purely cos of the previous "law suits" etc against it. But thats all died off now, as they've removed 23yo off the bottles.

[@pazme1980]

@@StevetheBarmanUK oh yeah, since it's a Solera method in which it is a blend of ages correct?

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

@@pazme1980 Yeah, they used to claim it had 23yo Rums in there. Where as Solera is just moving Rums from one cask to another, topping up as they go.

[@nrjelley]

For me it's Old Monk. Would never buy again. As soon as I opened the bottle, all I could smell was vanilla; vanilla; and more vanilla. The pallet was exactly the same, all I could taste was vanilla. Now, if you love vanilla then Old Monk is for you. Not for me though. I agree with you with the Bumbu. Not really a fan. Disagree with El Dorado 5 year though. But then I am a Demerara distillery fan boy. Navy rums and Guyanese rums are my jam!

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Ha... it's weird. I LOVE Guyana (DDL) Rums. But, now not on their own. Take the Navy Rums...or Multi Country Blends. They are nothing for me without that DDL Influence, but i love them with like Barbados, Jamaica or Trinidad blended together. RE Old Monk...still never tried it. Indian Rums, never really make it to the UK.

[@nrjelley]

@@StevetheBarmanUK I managed to get a bottle of Old Monk XXX Supreme from the Whisky Exchange years ago. They have a few Old Monk rums on there if you like vanilla lol.

[@hansalbers9894]

😊

[@CarlinVisagie]

Can you review Red Heart Rum please

[@sergisamongas]

I am a rum lubber, but there are some that just taste awful and some that give me headache.

[@henryl.4999]

Taste changes and I‘ve bought enjoyed bottles I would regret buying today (like Zacapa). Then there are rums that I bought in my transition phase (bought some malteco, liked it and then disliked it as I evolved and the opposite with Myers od, even though I’m still not the biggest fan of it). But there is just one full bottle that I regretted buying throughout: Plantation Original Dark. I just don’t get the hype about it.

[@sergisamongas]

I actually like POD in a daiquiri or a zombie as one of.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Henry... Plantation OD is a staple Cocktail Rum & Mixing Rum. For the price and quality, it's hard to beat. Yeah, you're not going to sip it neat. And yeah, in some cases i want an even Darker Rum. Like a Hurricane, i'd skip it. BUT, in its category, it's really decent.

[@henryl.4999]

@@StevetheBarmanUK That’s what I hear all the time… But it doesn’t sit right with me… But tastes are different 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@b4g4b3l]

on that list you could also put captain morgan

[@westpac6954]

Bacardi Gold and Bacardi Superior. I'll do Superior in a cocktail if that's all there is, but Bacardi overall just has never done it for me. And goodness, Flor de Cana 7 isn't disgusting, but that bitter alcohol profile is hard to love.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Interesting. I get zero bitterness from FDC. If anything, it's completely the opposite. Almost arguable that it's Sweetened (it may well be, but don't think so!)

[@westpac6954]

@@StevetheBarmanUK I tried it straight, on ice and in a Cubata and the bitterness persisted on my palette. I find it's best application is a rum and coke with no lime as it already has that bitter element. I don't think it is sweetened. I have been told some companies alter their blends to fit either the US or the European market.

[@MrHighRaw]

I have a bottle of Mount Gay Black Label and I'll be honest, I don't think it's very good. I've found so many other rums from your channel that I love but the Mount Gay Black will likely still be on my shelf this time next year.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

It's weird. I do like it. BUT... i can just never get too excited about Barbados Rum. Probably my least favourite overall Country/Island. I have no idea why!

[@owenw1002]

El dorado 5 isnt compareable to most other rums bc it’s specifically Demerara sp u cant compare it to Appleton 8 or foursquare

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

I kinda agree. But it isn't as "specifically Demerara" as the ED8yo. Thats why I said ED5 doesn't really fit. It does play (to most people) in that same kind of arena as an Appleton 8 or a Doorlys 5. I don't think many people would buy ED5 specifically as their Demerara Rum... not compared to ED8 or ED12, which most people have. ED5 just doesn't do that job. It's more of a Generic mixing/Cocktail Rum.

[@owenw1002]

@@StevetheBarmanUK I do agree actually, I think I’m just bias towards El Dorado as a brand haha so i like most of there stuff. Although for me personally, I like to use the 5 in mojitos, daiquiris, basically instead of a white rum and it adds just a little more sweetness and depth then a 3 year would. I actually like El Dorado 5 year better then the 8 year, I normally would use Hamilton 86 unless I want more of the Oak that the 8 year has, the 12 year is my favorite tho. the best Demerara you can buy for sipping tho imo is the El Dorado single barrel, but it’s not super common, and its pretty expensive

[@chrishansen9379]

For me it was the Brugal Extra Viejo. It was so bad I poured it down the drain.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Interesting. I mean it wasn’t a favourite, but very workable in cocktails and mixing. Shame to waste it.

[@chrishansen9379]

@@StevetheBarmanUK Maybe it was a bad bottle. There were things I liked about it but there was this taste that made me think of wet cardboard and fish and that ruined it for me.

[@radosuaf]

Havana Anejo Especial is by far the WORST rum I have ever had. I know there are worse, but I avoid buying them in the first place. But man, HC7?! That's a f**king bomb available or every corner and very decent quality. Fully agree with MG Eclipse and Bumbu. Both terrible, Eclipsse being way overpriced.

[@joshuadecker1305]

Exactly. Mt gay eclipse is overrated. People say its "the best rum in the world and im like, not even the best in Barbados. It's got way too much burn, even for mix drinks. A lot of bars here use myers rum, and I would use it to cook with. Again harsh and it has that jamacian funkyness. Not something a bar should have as their go to dark rum.

[@BaronBSOfficial]

Two biggest regrets: Dead man fingers: Taste like perfume to me, and I don't mean the taste of the smell of a perfume, I mean literally the chemical and toxic taste of a perfume liquid. Bacardi 8yo: taste like acetone.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Surprised by the Bacardi 8yo... despite having a Bad rep for their White/Carta Blanca, the 8yo does have a really decent reputation in Rum World. In fact, I pretty much class it as one of my Go To "Entry Rums" into the aged category for beginners because of its lack of Wood/Spice notes.

[@aaronfisher2632]

Definitely Brugal Añejo for me. Still trying to use up the last bit of the bottle, would never buy it again, so many better options in that range.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah again it's one of those weird areas...most Spanish Brands have one... Cubay; Carta Dorada. Bacardi; Oro/Gold. Flor De Cana; 5yo (Hence now delisted in the UK) The price between the sort of unaged/low aged Gold and the next one up is miniscule. So most people opt for the next one up!

[@ARTS3D]

Don papa masskara is by far my worst one, too sweet

[@mileycyrax6025]

Controversial opinion: Appleton Signature is over rated. 😅 just take the next step to Appleton 8 if you want Appleton, or just pick something more bold. Signature just doesnt have much personality, fine if youre just getting started by after a while its just take up space on the bar.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Not actually controversial. I’m totally with you!

[@andrewmainprice2179]

Worst rum was abuelo 12 . I ended up using it up in rum punch.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah, I know what you mean with Abuelo. I do quite like it to drink. But it's an easy Drink. There's no WOW factor. But, it's an easy go to for the price.

[@theatrebum11]

I bought the carupano 18 rum, it had a best rum in the world tag, I regret it deeply. It tastes like werthers candies to me, just not a fan at all.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Ha. I think I tried that at RumFest last year. Loads of people kept telling me it was great. But too sweet for me…for a Rum.

[@colonelbasic9736]

Spent £40 on Hoxton banana rum, tasted bad imo

[@jorgeisaacguerrero]

wow. I buy havana 7 very often. really cheap in Mexico. never tried flor de caña 7. salud🍻🇲🇽

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

I totally get why people buy Havana 7. It's just a Rum trying too hard to be a Whisky for me! Decent...but not decent enough!

[@kaka123150]

People of the west don't know what a true cheap rum (polmos galeon) experience is

[@mileycyrax6025]

Meyers white is pretty much useless in my opinion, yeah it's cheap but what are we doing here, ya know? Glad that you got to Bumbu here, I've been eyeing it but am not a spiced rum guy, skipping for sure now

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

We don’t get White Myers here. So no idea about that one.

[@bigzosso]

Ha ha! Bumbu rum £30+ a bottle for a crappy rum with 50gms of sugars/additives added per litre to change the crappy flavour profile to super sweet and silky mouthfeel which kids people into thinking they have a quality rum for the money!

[@_-_-_-Prof.BoskoBiathi-_-_-_]

The taste splits the people,.some luv THE don papa,.some hate it,..

[@joku02]

Look how you butchered my boy Bumbu! But I agree, the pricing is off the roofs.... 45 Euros and going up here.... Even though I adore the spirit itself!

[@TomTheGardener]

Bumbu is by far the least favourite rum I’ve bought since I’ve been buying with some level of rum education. Havana 7 also does nothing for me and was a bit of a surprising jump for especial the first time 😂

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

I know right. Its deffo NOT an entry Rum. Yet it's kinda seen as an "Entry Rum" because every supermarket sells it!

[@gooseypig84]

Coruba.

[@KernowNik]

Pacto Navio - it really does nothing for me

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Who now??!

[@KernowNik]

In the Discord

[@ogden99]

Mount Gay is the worst rum I've tried this year by a mile!